Raiders Using Money In All The Right Ways

As the first week of free agency is starting to wrap up, it is obvious the Raiders took a big part in the free agency frenzy over the course of the week. The Raiders have a lot of money to spend, and they are definitely doing that as they have added some veterans and leadership to the young organization.

Starting with the signs of defensive lineman LaMarr Woodley, Justin Tuck and Antonio Smith. The Raiders added three former pro bowlers to a defensive line that needed all the help it could get. In 2013, the Raiders defense gave an average of 4.6 yards a run and lost in the sack ratio 38:44.

Woodley recorded 57 career sacks since being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of college. At Michigan, Woodley played defensive end but converted into an outside linebacker in the 3-4 system. Now, Woodley will be returning back into the defensive end role with the Raiders.

Tuck has registered 60 sacks during his time with the Giants. Tuck brings leadership from New York as he was the main voice of the Giants’ defense after Michael Strahan retired. Tuck got to the quarterback 11 times in 2013.

Smith is 32-years-old and has registered a career of 41.5 sacks between playing with the Cardinals and Texans. Smith weighs in at 6’4 and 289 pounds. Smith is very durable. He has missed just one game in the last five seasons.

The Raiders also took the chance to upgrade at cornerback by signing former 49ers’ defensive back Tarell Brown. The 29-year-old Brown found himself banged up in 2013 but is effective when he is healthy. Brown has a total of 39 pass deflections in the last three seasons and six interceptions in that time frame.

Offensively, the Raiders added offensive tackle Austin Howard who comes from the New York Jets. Howard played in a small college, and worked his way up from the practice teams squad and back up player to where he is today. That is why Howard feels he can supply the offense with some good leadership.

The Raiders are using the money that have and seem to be making some good signs by improving the defense and offensive line. Anymore moves made by the organization will be tracked right here on Raiders Gab!

One Response to “Raiders Using Money In All The Right Ways”

These are terrific signings. The absolute most bang for the buck out there. I am a little concerned that we let our two starting CB’s go, but there is no way that Dennis Allen will let us go without quality CB’s. There must be a plan.